U.S. patent application number 15/876317 was filed with the patent office on 2018-12-13 for lighted tumbler holder.
The applicant listed for this patent is Alliance Sports Group, L.P.. Invention is credited to Gregory Lee Horne, Jimmy Prieto.
Application Number | 20180356088 15/876317 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 64563365 |
Filed Date | 2018-12-13 |
United States Patent
Application |
20180356088 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Horne; Gregory Lee ; et
al. |
December 13, 2018 |
Lighted Tumbler Holder
Abstract
A lighted holding device is disclosed having at least one ring,
having a hollow center, an outside surface, and an inside surface,
said ring configured to receive a beverage container therein. The
ring has a handle coupled thereto and a light source disposed
opposite the handle. The device also has a power source coupled to
the light source and a switch coupled to the power source and the
light source.
Inventors: |
Horne; Gregory Lee; (Euless,
TX) ; Prieto; Jimmy; (Grand Prairie, TX) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Alliance Sports Group, L.P. |
Grand Prairie |
TX |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
64563365 |
Appl. No.: |
15/876317 |
Filed: |
January 22, 2018 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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62516720 |
Jun 8, 2017 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F21Y 2103/30 20160801;
F21V 33/0036 20130101; A47G 23/0216 20130101; A47G 2200/08
20130101; F21V 21/406 20130101; F21V 23/0414 20130101; F21Y 2115/10
20160801 |
International
Class: |
F21V 33/00 20060101
F21V033/00; F21V 23/04 20060101 F21V023/04; F21V 21/40 20060101
F21V021/40; A47G 23/02 20060101 A47G023/02 |
Claims
1. A lighted holding device, comprising: an upper ring and a lower
ring, each ring having a hollow center, an outside surface, and an
inside surface, each ring configured to receive a portion of a
beverage container therein; a handle coupled to a first side of
each ring; a first light source disposed about a second side of the
upper ring, said first side and second side being disposed on
opposite sides of the upper ring, wherein the first light source
comprises a curved LED array disposed about the upper ring, the
curved LED array comprising a radius of curvature that is
equivalent to a radius of curvature of the upper ring; a second
light source disposed about the lower ring; a power source coupled
to the first and second light source; a switch coupled to the power
source and the first and second light source.
2. (canceled)
3. The holding device of claim 1, wherein the power source is
located within a cavity of the handle and the switch is disposed
about a top surface of the handle.
4. (canceled)
5. (canceled)
6. (canceled)
7. The holding device of claim 1, wherein the second light source
comprises a curved LED array disposed the lower ring, the curved
LED array comprising a radius of curvature that is equivalent to a
radius of curvature of the lower ring.
8. The holding device of claim 1, wherein the first light source
comprises a curved LED array that operates to propagate light in a
direction that is parallel with an imaginary plane disposed about a
top of the upper ring.
9. The holding device of claim 1, wherein the first light source
comprises a curved LED array that operates to propagate light in a
direction that is parallel with an imaginary axis passing through a
top portion of the handle.
10. The holding device of claim 1, wherein the second light source
comprises a curved LED array circumscribing the lower ring and
operates to propagate light outward and downward from the lower
ring.
11. The holding device of claim 1, wherein the second light source
comprises a curved LED array disposed at an angle with respect to
an imaginary plane disposed about a top of the lower ring.
12. The holding device of claim 1, wherein the first and second
rings comprise a tapered inside surface forming an angle with
respect to an imaginary plane disposed about a top of the upper
ring and an imaginary plane disposed about a top of the lower ring,
respectively.
13. The holding device of claim 1, wherein the field of
illumination of the first light source and the field of
illumination of the second light source do not overlap.
14. The holding device of claim 1, wherein the upper ring has an
internal diameter that is greater than an internal diameter of the
lower ring.
15. A holding device, comprising: a ring, having a hollow center,
an outside surface, and an inside surface, said ring configured to
receive a beverage container therein in contact with an inside
surface; a handle coupled to an outside surface of the at least one
ring; a first light source disposed about the ring on an opposite
side of the handle, wherein the light source comprises a curved COB
LED array having a radius of curvature that is equivalent to a
radius of curvature of the ring, the light source being faced in a
direction opposite the handle; a power source located within the
handle coupled to the light source; and a switch coupled to the
power source and the light source.
16. The holding device of claim 15, wherein the power source is
located within a cavity of the handle and the switch is disposed
about a top surface of the handle.
17. (canceled)
18. The holding device of claim 15, further comprising a second
ring having a second light source disposed about the second ring,
the second light source comprising a curved COB LED having an
angled face with respect to an imaginary plane disposed about a top
surface of the ring.
19. The holding device of claim 18, wherein the second light source
creates a circular field of illumination directed laterally outward
from the second ring and downward from the second ring.
20. The holding device of claim 18, wherein the switch operates to
selectively turn on the first light source or the second light
source or both the first and second light source at the same
time.
21.-30. (cancelled)
31. A lighted device for holding a beverage container, comprising:
an upper ring and a lower ring, each ring having a hollow center,
an outside surface, and an inside surface, each ring configured to
receive a portion of a beverage container therein; a handle coupled
to each ring; a first light source disposed about the upper ring; a
second light source disposed about the lower ring, wherein the
second light source comprises a curved LED array disposed about the
lower ring, the curved LED array comprising a radius of curvature
that is equivalent to a radius of curvature of the lower ring; a
power source coupled to the first and second light source; a switch
coupled to the power source and the first and second light
source.
32. The device of claim 31, wherein the second light source is
configured to propagate light downward from the lower ring.
33. The device of claim 31, wherein the first lights source is
configured to propagate light away from the upper ring in a
direction that is normal to a longitudinal axis of the handle.
Description
PRIORITY CLAIM
[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent
application 62/516,720 filed on Jun. 8, 2017 entitled "Lighted
Tumbler Holder" which is incorporated herein by reference in its
entirety.
FIELD OF THE TECHNOLOGY
[0002] The present technology relates to hand-held lighted devices.
More specifically, the present technology relates to a lighted
hand-held device that is configured to hold a removable tumbler or
beverage container.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Personal beverage containers, such as coffee tumblers, mugs,
and the like, are used by beverage consumers everywhere. Although
such personal beverage containers have traditionally been primarily
for use at fixed locations, such as at home or at the office, more
and more frequently, consumers are finding it desirable to have a
beverage during transitions, for example, while traveling from home
to work or during driving excursions. Specialty coffee stores
serving premium coffees and other beverages--for example, those
sold under the Starbucks.RTM. trademark--are finding widespread
popularity.
[0004] Certain considerations are particularly relevant when the
user intends to consume the beverage, at least partially, while
traveling from one place to another. For example, it is typically
desirable to maintain the temperature of the beverage, i.e., to
keep hot beverages hot and/or cold beverages cold. Oftentimes the
consumer will purchase the beverage at one location and travel to a
second, possibly distant location, to consume the beverage. It is
desirable that the beverage be maintained close to the preferred
temperature for sufficient periods of time. Also, it is generally
desirable to include a lid in order to reduce the likelihood of
splash or spillage of the beverage during travel. Finally,
particularly for reusable beverage containers, the container must
be rugged enough to withstand the inevitable bump or fall.
[0005] Very often personal beverage containers are designed to be
used once and then disposed of. Disposable cups with lids are well
known in the art. Many consumers, however, prefer a beverage
container that is sturdier than these disposable cups and that can
be cleaned and reused. Another advantage of reusable beverage
containers is that it reduces the burden on landfills and the like
by reducing the use of disposable cups and lids. Reusable beverage
containers are also known in the art and are frequently made from
metal, glass, and/or plastic. Irrespective of the use of disposable
or reusable beverage containers, numerous holding devices have been
used in connection with portable beverage containers in an effort
to facilitate handling of the beverage containers. There is no
container holder, however, that functions as a tool for beverage
consumption as well as lighting the area about the holding
device.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0006] The present technology will become more fully apparent from
the following description and appended claims, taken in conjunction
with the accompanying drawings. Understanding that these drawings
merely depict exemplary aspects of the present technology, they are
therefore not to be considered limiting of its scope. It will be
readily appreciated that the components of the present technology,
as generally described and illustrated in the figures herein, could
be arranged and designed in a wide variety of different
configurations. Nonetheless, the technology will be described and
explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of
the accompanying drawings in which:
[0007] FIGS. 1A through 1D are examples of different tumbler
holding devices in accordance with aspects of the technology;
[0008] FIG. 2 is an exploded view of a lighted tumbler holding
device in accordance with one aspect of the technology;
[0009] FIG. 3 is a side view of a tumbler holding device in
accordance with one aspect of the technology;
[0010] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the tumbler holding device
shown in FIG. 3;
[0011] FIG. 5 is a side view of a beverage holding device in
accordance with one aspect of the technology;
[0012] FIG. 6 is a front view of a beverage holding device in
accordance with one aspect of the technology; and
[0013] FIG. 7 is a front view of a beverage holding device in
accordance with one aspect of the technology.
DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS
[0014] Although the following detailed description contains many
specifics for the purpose of illustration, a person of ordinary
skill in the art will appreciate that many variations and
alterations to the following details can be made and are considered
to be included herein. Accordingly, the following embodiments are
set forth without any loss of generality to, and without imposing
limitations upon, any claims set forth. It is also to be understood
that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing
particular embodiments only, and is not intended to be limiting.
Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used
herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of
ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure belongs.
[0015] As used in this specification and the appended claims, the
singular forms "a," "an" and "the" include plural referents unless
the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example,
reference to "a layer" includes a plurality of such layers. In this
disclosure, "comprises," "comprising," "containing" and "having"
and the like can have the meaning ascribed to them in U.S. Patent
law and can mean "includes," "including," and the like, and are
generally interpreted to be open ended terms. The terms "consisting
of or "consists of are closed terms, and include only the
components, structures, steps, or the like specifically listed in
conjunction with such terms, as well as that which is in accordance
with U.S. Patent law. "Consisting essentially of or "consists
essentially of have the meaning generally ascribed to them by U.S.
Patent law. In particular, such terms are generally closed terms,
with the exception of allowing inclusion of additional items,
materials, components, steps, or elements, that do not materially
affect the basic and novel characteristics or function of the
item(s) used in connection therewith. For example, trace elements
present in a composition, but not affecting the compositions nature
or characteristics would be permissible if present under the
"consisting essentially of language, even though not expressly
recited in a list of items following such terminology. When using
an open ended term, like "comprising" or "including," it is
understood that direct support should be afforded also to
"consisting essentially of language as well as "consisting of
language as if stated explicitly and vice versa.
[0016] The terms "first," "second," "third," "fourth," and the like
in the description and in the claims, if any, are used for
distinguishing between similar elements and not necessarily for
describing a particular sequential or chronological order. It is to
be understood that any terms so used are interchangeable under
appropriate circumstances such that the embodiments described
herein are, for example, capable of operation in sequences other
than those illustrated or otherwise described herein. Similarly, if
a method is described herein as comprising a series of steps, the
order of such steps as presented herein is not necessarily the only
order in which such steps may be performed, and certain of the
stated steps may possibly be omitted and/or certain other steps not
described herein may possibly be added to the method.
[0017] The terms "left," "right," "front," "back," "top," "bottom,"
"over," "under," and the like in the description and in the claims,
if any, are used for descriptive purposes and not necessarily for
describing permanent relative positions. It is to be understood
that the terms so used are interchangeable under appropriate
circumstances such that the embodiments described herein are, for
example, capable of operation in other orientations than those
illustrated or otherwise described herein. The term "coupled," as
used herein, is defined as directly or indirectly connected in an
electrical or nonelectrical manner. Objects described herein as
being "adjacent to" each other may be in physical contact with each
other, in close proximity to each other, or in the same general
region or area as each other, as appropriate for the context in
which the phrase is used. Occurrences of the phrase "in one
embodiment," or "in one aspect," herein do not necessarily all
refer to the same embodiment or aspect.
[0018] As used herein, the term "substantially" refers to the
complete or nearly complete extent or degree of an action,
characteristic, property, state, structure, item, or result. For
example, an object that is "substantially" enclosed would mean that
the object is either completely enclosed or nearly completely
enclosed. The exact allowable degree of deviation from absolute
completeness may in some cases depend on the specific context.
However, generally speaking the nearness of completion will be so
as to have the same overall result as if absolute and total
completion were obtained. The use of "substantially" is equally
applicable when used in a negative connotation to refer to the
complete or near complete lack of an action, characteristic,
property, state, structure, item, or result. For example, a
composition that is "substantially free of particles would either
completely lack particles, or so nearly completely lack particles
that the effect would be the same as if it completely lacked
particles. In other words, a composition that is "substantially
free of an ingredient or element may still actually contain such
item as long as there is no measurable effect thereof.
[0019] As used herein, the term "about" is used to provide
flexibility to a numerical range endpoint by providing that a given
value may be "a little above" or "a little below" the endpoint.
Unless otherwise stated, use of the term "about" in accordance with
a specific number or numerical range should also be understood to
provide support for such numerical terms or range without the term
"about". For example, for the sake of convenience and brevity, a
numerical range of "about 50 angstroms to about 80 angstroms"
should also be understood to provide support for the range of "50
angstroms to 80 angstroms."
[0020] As used herein, a plurality of items, structural elements,
compositional elements, and/or materials may be presented in a
common list for convenience. However, these lists should be
construed as though each member of the list is individually
identified as a separate and unique member. Thus, no individual
member of such list should be construed as a de facto equivalent of
any other member of the same list solely based on their
presentation in a common group without indications to the
contrary.
[0021] Concentrations, amounts, and other numerical data may be
expressed or presented herein in a range format. It is to be
understood that such a range format is used merely for convenience
and brevity and thus should be interpreted flexibly to include not
only the numerical values explicitly recited as the limits of the
range, but also to include all the individual numerical values or
sub-ranges encompassed within that range as if each numerical value
and sub-range is explicitly recited. As an illustration, a
numerical range of "about 1 to about 5" should be interpreted to
include not only the explicitly recited values of about 1 to about
5, but also include individual values and sub-ranges within the
indicated range. Thus, included in this numerical range are
individual values such as 2, 3, and 4 and sub-ranges such as from
1-3, from 2-4, and from 3-5, etc., as well as 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5,
individually.
[0022] This same principle applies to ranges reciting only one
numerical value as a minimum or a maximum. Furthermore, such an
interpretation should apply regardless of the breadth of the range
or the characteristics being described.
[0023] Reference throughout this specification to "an example"
means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic
described in connection with the example is included in at least
one embodiment. Thus, appearances of the phrases "in an example" in
various places throughout this specification are not necessarily
all referring to the same embodiment.
[0024] Reference in this specification may be made to devices,
structures, systems, or methods that provide "improved"
performance. It is to be understood that unless otherwise stated,
such "improvement" is a measure of a benefit obtained based on a
comparison to devices, structures, systems or methods in the prior
art. Furthermore, it is to be understood that the degree of
improved performance may vary between disclosed embodiments and
that no equality or consistency in the amount, degree, or
realization of improved performance is to be assumed as universally
applicable.
[0025] The term "flashlight" as used herein is used as an example
of a lighting device that may employ the technology herein but
should not be construed as limiting what kinds of lighting devices
may employ the current technology. As such, the term flashlight
should be broadly construed to include lighting devices that employ
numerous types of electronics or lighting technology, including,
but not limited to LED technology.
[0026] An initial overview of the technology is provided below and
specific technology embodiments are then described in further
detail. This initial summary is intended to aid readers in
understanding the technology more quickly, but is not intended to
identify key or essential features of the technology, nor is it
intended to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter.
[0027] Broadly speaking, aspects of the current technology improves
tumbler holding devices by providing one or more lighting elements
incorporated into a tumbler holding handle. The handle comprises a
member that is configured to slide over and secure a beverage
container. The handle is lighted and functions like a flashlight or
area light for the user.
[0028] Generally speaking, the term tumbler refers to a
flat-bottomed beverage container. In one aspect of the technology,
a tumbler (or beverage container) holding device comprises a handle
configured with an opening that is intended to secure, at least to
some degree, a beverage container therein. In one aspect, the
opening comprises one or more rings that are coupled to the handle.
One or more of the rings comprises a first lighting element (e.g.,
an LED) that is disposed opposite the handle. That is, in a
direction opposite from where a user would grasp the handle. The
lighting element is configured to direct light in a direction
opposite (or away from) the handle in a direction that is parallel
to a top surface of the ring. In this manner, when a beverage
container is housed within the holding device and held by the
consumer, the first lighting element directs light wherever the
consumer "points" the front end of the holding device. While the
field of illumination is generally parallel with a top surface of
the ring, the total field of illumination can be broader, ranging
from plus or minus 45 degrees from an imaginary axis that is
parallel with a top plane of the ring.
[0029] In another aspect of the technology, the one or more rings
comprises a second lighting element disposed about a bottom portion
of at least one of the rings. The second lighting element directs
light in a direction that is generally perpendicular the direction
of light emitted from the first lighting element. However, the
field of illumination from the second lighting element can include
light directed at an angle ranging from 0 to 90 degrees with
respect to general direction of the first light. In this manner,
when the user grasps the holding device by the handle, the area
about the feet of the user can be illuminated by the second
lighting element while an area forward of the user can be lighted
by the first lighting element. Alternatively, when a beverage
container is housed within the holding device, the user may place
the beverage container on a flat surface (e.g., a table) wherein
the second lighting element would provide light in the area about
the general area of the bottom of the beverage container. In one
aspect of the technology the field of illumination from the first
light source overlaps with the field of illumination from the
second light source. However, in another aspect of the technology,
the fields of illumination from the two different sources do not
overlap.
[0030] With reference generally to FIGS. 1A through 1D, numerous
types and styles of beverage container holding devices are
contemplated for use herein. Each of the different styles of
beverage container holding devices, indicated generally at 100,
comprise a handle 150 that is coupled to one or more rings
configured to house a beverage container 110 therein. While rings
are specifically referenced herein, it is understood that any
geometry capable of holding a beverage container therein is
contemplated for use. For example, the handle 150 may be coupled to
an open rectangle, open oval, or a semi-circle, semi-oval, or
semi-rectangle so long as the holding device is capable of securing
a beverage container therein by slidably receiving the beverage
container therein or by frictional engagement.
[0031] In one aspect of the technology, the rings 200 (or other
beverage-holding geometry) are configured to permit the beverage
container to be slidably placed into the rings by directing the
beverage container "bottom-end-first" through a top of the ring
200. The beverage container can also be slidably removed from the
beverage container in the reverse direction. In one aspect, the
holding device 100 comprises an upper ring 210 and a lower ring
220, though it may comprise a single ring 200, or more than two
rings as suits a particular application. In another aspect of the
technology, the gripping member (ring, open rectangle, or
otherwise) is configured with an open end having opposing arms that
flex outwardly when a beverage container 110 is placed therein. In
this aspect, the flexed arms frictionally hold the beverage
container 110 in place.
[0032] With reference generally to FIG. 2, an exploded view of a
beverage container holding device 300 is illustrated in accordance
with one aspect of the technology. The holding device 300
(sometimes called a tumbler handle) generally comprises a handle
306 coupled to an upper capture ring 304 and a lower capture ring
314. In one aspect, the upper and lower capture rings as well as
the handle are made of a polymeric material such as acrylonitrile
butadiene styrene, though plastic, rubber, or other polymeric
materials (e.g., urethanes, polyethylene, polyvinyl chloride, etc.)
may be used. The upper capture ring 304 is sized to accommodate
placement of a smaller diameter bottom end of a beverage container
therethrough while retaining a larger diameter upper end of the
beverage container therein. The lower capture ring 314 is sized to
accommodate placement of a smaller diameter bottom end of the
beverage container while retaining a larger diameter bottom portion
of the beverage container. A light source 303 is disposed on a
first side of the upper capture ring 304 and electrically coupled
to a power source (e.g., a battery, etc.) located within the handle
306. In one aspect, the upper capture ring 304 comprises an insert
310 providing a contact surface for engaging an outer sidewall of
the beverage container. In one aspect, the insert 310 comprises a
silicone insert that can be replaced to accommodate a different
sized tumbler therein. That is, the insert 310 is removable and
replacement with a different insert having a different inner
diameter (or different shape altogether) to accommodate placement
of different sized beverage containers therein.
[0033] In one aspect of the technology, the light source 303
comprises a chip-on-board (COB) LED (light emitting diode) strip,
or other LED arrangement disposed on a flexible or inflexible
substrate and formed into an arc shape. In another aspect, the
light source comprises a plurality of individual LED lights or a
single non-COB LED light configured in a strip and formed into an
arc shape. In yet another aspect, the light source 303 comprises a
single LED. A reflector 302 is located about a perimeter of the
light source 303 to assist in the propagation of light from light
source 303. In one aspect of the technology, the light source 303
is disposed on an end of the upper capture ring 304 in a manner
that propagates light generally in a direction that is parallel
with a top of the upper capture ring 304 though the field of
illumination of light source 303 ranges approximately plus or minus
45 degrees from an imaginary axis passing through a center of the
ring 304 and parallel to a plane about a top of the ring 304. In
this manner, when the user is holding a beverage container in an
upright position in front of the user, the light from light source
303 is propagated generally away from the user in a forward
direction. However, the light from light source 303 may be directed
in a variety of different directions with respect to the user,
depending on how the holding device is oriented. In any event, the
light from the light source 303 is directed generally away from the
handle 306 of the holding device or in a direction that is opposite
the handle 306 disposed on an opposing side of ring 304. In one
aspect of the technology, a lens 301 is disposed a top the light
source 303 and reflector 302. The light source 303 is curved such
that the field of illumination extends outward from the handle 306
in a forward direction. Depending on how long the COB LED strip (or
other LED configuration) extends, the field of illumination of
light source 303 also extends laterally from the ring 304. In other
words, as the length of light source 303 increases, it reaches
around the circumference of the ring 304 to extend in a direction
that illuminates an area about the lateral sides 304a of ring
304.
[0034] In one aspect of the technology, the lower capture ring 314
comprises an insert 311 made from a polymeric material, resilient
rubber material, or other plastic material that provides a contact
surface for the beverage container within the lower capture ring
314. A light source 313 is disposed within the lower capture ring
with a cap 312 placed above the light source 313. In one aspect of
the technology, the light source 313 comprises a COB LED array
placed on a flexible or inflexible substrate and configured in an
arc to fit about the curvature of the bottom of the lower capture
ring 314. In one aspect, the light from light source 313 is
propagated in a direction that is parallel to a longitudinal
direction of the beverage container when it is placed in the
holder. In other words, it is directed downward when the beverage
container holder and beverage container are in an upright position
or downward in the direction of the bottom of the lower capture
ring 314. In this aspect, the COB LED array is configured such that
an imaginary axis through the center of each LED is parallel (i.e.,
each one is directed in a parallel direction).
[0035] In another aspect, the light from light source 313 is
propagated in a direction that is parallel to a direction of light
coming from light source 303 and is configured about an exterior
circumference of the lower capture ring 314. That is, the field of
illumination extends outward from the sides of the lower capture
ring 314 instead of being propagated downward from a bottom of the
capture ring.
[0036] With specific reference to FIGS. 3 and 4, in yet another
aspect of the technology, the light from light source 313 is
directed both downward and outward. Specifically, in this aspect,
the field of illumination is of the COB LED associated with the
second light source 313 is intended to create an area light that
propagates light downward and outward from the holding device. In
this manner, an area light is created. In order to create an area
light, in accordance with one aspect, the COB LED is configured to
create a wedge shape on the lower capture ring 314. Meaning, the
COB LED is disposed at an angle with respect to the top and bottom
plane of the lower capture ring 314. In this manner, light is
propagated both outward and downward. In one aspect, however,
reflectors and/or light blocking members are used to direct light
emanating from the light source 313 in a downward and outward
direction. The light sources discussed herein may be mounted in an
aperture within one or more rings, or they may be fixed about an
outside surface of the rings as suits a particular application. The
beverage container holding device 300 may also have third and
fourth (or more light sources) disposed about various parts of the
ring. For example, a third light source may be located on the top
of the upper capture ring or on the back side of the upper capture
ring.
[0037] While reference is made herein to an upper capture ring 304
and lower capture ring 314, it is understood that a beverage
container holding device may comprise a single capture ring with a
forward directed light source (like that shown in 303), a generally
downward directed area light source (like that shown in 313),
and/or a circumferential light source. Meaning, it is not necessary
for the holding device to have two rings. A forward directed light
and an area light may be disposed about a single ring like the
single ring shown in FIG. 1D. Likewise, the forward directed light
source may be on the lower capture ring 314 and the downward
directed light source may be on the upper capture ring 304 as suits
a particular application. In an additional aspect where a single
capture ring is used, a forward directed light source 303 and
downward directed light source 313 are located both on an upper
capture ring 304.
[0038] In addition, in an aspect where the upper capture ring has
an open end opposite the handle 306 and individual arms that are
capable of flexing outwardly to receive a beverage container
therein, one or more light sources may be placed on individual arms
of the open ends of the upper capture ring. The one or more light
sources on the individual arms provide the forward directed light
similar to that shown at 303 in FIGS. 2-4.
[0039] In one aspect of the technology, light source 303 and light
source 313 (to the extent both light sources are used) coupled to a
power source located within handle 306 by way of wires 305 or other
electrical coupling means. The handle 306 comprises an open cavity
with a power source such as a portable battery pack 317 having a
cap 318 for enclosing batteries therein. A handle cover 316 is
secured to the handle 306 by way of screws 307 or some other
securement mechanism. The power source is coupled to a circuit
board 315 that is coupled to a control switch 309 (enclosed by
rubber cover 308) for cycling through different lighting modes. In
accordance with one aspect of the technology, the different light
sources and different lighting modes are controlled by software or
logic controlled switches or mechanical switches located on the
circuit board 315. In one aspect of the technology, the circuit
board 315 is configured to permit a first mode wherein light source
303 is activated and light source 313 is inactive, a second mode
where light source 313 is activated and light source 303 is
inactive, a third mode where light source 303 and light source 313
are both activated. Other light modes are contemplated including a
strobe mode, and different colored LED modes. For example, one or
both of the light sources 303 or 313 may comprise different colored
LEDs (e.g., white, yellow, red, etc.) and/or dimming functions. In
another aspect of the technology, the power source comprises a
rechargeable battery located within the cavity of handle 306. In
that aspect, the power source is coupled to an external port where
a user may charge a phone or other electronic device directly from
the holding device itself.
[0040] In aspects of the technology referenced herein, a lighted
beverage container holder 300 comprises a handle 306 extending
distally away from either a single ring, or multiple rings 304, 314
that house the beverage container therein. In the aspect where
multiple rings are used (see, e.g., FIGS. 1A, 1C, and 2 through 4),
each of the rings are coupled to the handle 306. That is an upper
ring 304 is coupled to a top portion of the handle 306 and a lower
ring 314 is coupled to a bottom portion of the handle 306. In some
aspects, however, the handle 306 may couple to the rings at
different points about the handle. In another aspect of the
technology, the handle 306 does not extend laterally away from
rings. Rather, the handle 306 extends downward from an upper ring
304 to a lower ring 314 in a substantially linear direction. In one
aspect of the technology where the handle 306 extends downward and
not outwardly, a similarly directed handle 306 is disposed on an
opposite side of the rings 304 and 314. In this aspect, the user
does not grip a single handle to secure the device 300 in his or
her hand. Rather, the user secures the device 300 in his or her
hand by griping both handles in a single hand. In this aspect of
the technology, the switch 308 used to power first and/or second
lighting elements is placed on a lateral side of the handle so that
it may be operated by the thumb of the user. In addition, the
orientation of the first lighting element on the upper ring 304 may
not be placed directly opposite either one of the handles, though,
in one aspect, the first light element 301 is disposed about the
upper ring 304 opposite the handle 306 that contains the power
switch 308. While reference is made herein to a power source
located within the handle 306 of the lighted holding device 300, it
is understood that the power source (e.g., battery pack) can be
located within the rings 304 or 314.
[0041] In another aspect of the technology, the beverage container
holding device comprises a collapsible or rigid sleeve 400 for a
beverage container such as a can 401 or bottle of arbitrary shape
and size. The sleeve 400 comprises an insulating jacket surrounding
the container sides of the can when the can is inserted therein.
The jacket has a substantially closed lower end 405 for supporting
the can or bottle and an open upper end 410 forming an axis
opening. In one aspect where the sleeve is collapsible, the jacket
is formed of inner and/or outer, water resistant fabric layers
within which is disposed a layer of insulating material, all
coupled together. The jacket preferably has a cylindrical
configuration but it is understood that other configurations
conforming to shapes of particular containers to which the sleeve
400 is adapted may be provided. In one aspect where the sleeve 400
is rigid, the jacket comprises an flexible insulating material
(such as an open or closed-cell foam, neoprene, or other insulating
material) coupled with a rigid polymeric shell. In one aspect, the
rigid shell comprises an exterior of the jacket while the
insulating material is placed on the interior of the rigid shell
intended to be in direct contact with the can or bottle disposed
therein. In another aspect of the technology, the insulating
material is placed on the outside of the rigid shell, wherein the
can or bottle is in direct contact with the flexible insulating
material disposed therein.
[0042] In accordance with one aspect of the technology, one or more
light sources 420 are disposed about the outer layer and coupled to
a power source, circuit board, and switch 425 for controlling
different modes of the light sources 420. In one aspect, the power
source comprises a substantially flat battery disposed in a pocket
of the jacket.
[0043] The pocket may be located on the lower end 405 or side 406
of the sleeve 400. In accordance with one aspect, the one or more
of the light sources 420 comprise a COB LED strip 430 disposed on a
flexible or inflexible substrate, though other LED light sources
are contemplated for use herein. In a collapsed configuration, the
COB LED strip 430 is configured in a flat or planar orientation to
match a flat configuration of the collapsed sleeve 400. When the
sleeve 400 houses a can or bottle, the sleeve 400 assumes a
cylindrical or arcuate shape and the COB LED strip 430 assumes an
arcuate shape to approximate the shape of the sleeve 400. In one
aspect of the technology, the battery pack is spaced apart from the
switch 425 in such a manner than when housing a can and being held
by a user, the battery pack is positioned near the palm of the hand
of the user and the switch 425 is positioned near the thumb of the
hand of the user. The COB LED strip 430 is positioned opposite the
switch 425 and is configured to propagate light in a direction away
from the switch 425. In another aspect, a COB LED strip 430 is
configured to be placed on opposing sides of the collapsible sleeve
400 such that when the sleeve is housing a can or bottle, an LED
ring is formed about the circumference of the sleeve 400. In
another aspect, the COB LED strip 430 can extend about the
circumference of the sleeve 400 or only a portion of the
circumference. In one aspect of the technology, one or more COB LED
strips 430 are placed at different elevations about the sleeve 400
having different fields of illumination, including an aspect where
the COB LED strip has an angled configuration similar to that shown
on FIG. 4 at 313 so as to provide light in both a downward and
outward direction.
[0044] The foregoing detailed description describes the technology
with reference to specific exemplary aspects. However, it will be
appreciated that various modifications and changes can be made
without departing from the scope of the present technology as set
forth in the appended claims. The detailed description and
accompanying drawings are to be regarded as merely illustrative,
rather than as restrictive, and all such modifications or changes,
if any, are intended to fall within the scope of the present
technology as described and set forth herein.
[0045] More specifically, while illustrative exemplary aspects of
the technology have been described herein, the present technology
is not limited to these aspects, but includes any and all aspects
having modifications, omissions, combinations (e.g., of aspects
across various aspects), adaptations and/or alterations as would be
appreciated by those skilled in the art based on the foregoing
detailed description. The limitations in the claims are to be
interpreted broadly based on the language employed in the claims
and not limited to examples described in the foregoing detailed
description or during the prosecution of the application, which
examples are to be construed as non-exclusive. For example, in the
present disclosure, the term "preferably" is non-exclusive where it
is intended to mean "preferably, but not limited to." Any steps
recited in any method or process claims may be executed in any
order and are not limited to the order presented in the claims.
Means-plus-function or step-plus-function limitations will only be
employed where for a specific claim limitation all of the following
conditions are present in that limitation: a) "means for" or "step
for" is expressly recited; and b) a corresponding function is
expressly recited. The structure, material or acts that support the
means-plus-function are expressly recited in the description
herein. Accordingly, the scope of the technology should be
determined solely by the appended claims and their legal
equivalents, rather than by the descriptions and examples given
above.
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